It doesn't matter that he appeared in major parts in such classics as "The Grapes of Wrath', "Tobacco Road", "Follow the Boys" and the "Ellery Queen" movie series. Charley Grapewin will always be remembered as the loving uncle of Judy Garland in "The Wizard of Oz". This loveable old character actor even got the occasional lead, here playing a night guard who is somehow mistaken for a Wall Street big shot and made a celebrated guest for a big alumni event.
Niece Anita Louise perpetuates the misunderstanding which embarrasses her uncle as his fellow classmates Berton Churchill and Samuel S. Hinds proclaim him a public hero at a convention of alumni football players. Current student Dick Foran comes in to romance Louise, but it's Grapewin's picture all the way.
Anytime that Grapewin traded in his farming overalls for a suit or tuxedo, he was barely recognizable, and he's fantastic here, surrounded by an equally fantastic ensemble a veteran character actors which also includes Emma Dunn, best known in film history as Dr. Kildare's mother. While this is listed as a drama, it has many light comedic moments even though Grapewin's predicament is filled with pathos. An above average Universal programmer that gives an old workhorse character actor one of his very best parts.
Niece Anita Louise perpetuates the misunderstanding which embarrasses her uncle as his fellow classmates Berton Churchill and Samuel S. Hinds proclaim him a public hero at a convention of alumni football players. Current student Dick Foran comes in to romance Louise, but it's Grapewin's picture all the way.
Anytime that Grapewin traded in his farming overalls for a suit or tuxedo, he was barely recognizable, and he's fantastic here, surrounded by an equally fantastic ensemble a veteran character actors which also includes Emma Dunn, best known in film history as Dr. Kildare's mother. While this is listed as a drama, it has many light comedic moments even though Grapewin's predicament is filled with pathos. An above average Universal programmer that gives an old workhorse character actor one of his very best parts.
